2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 underwent a styling update in 2022, which maintained its status as a well-designed full-size truck. The changes included a wider grille and updated headlights, which, while enhancing the truck's appearance, did not drastically alter its already appealing look. The interior, however, marked a significant shift from previous models, aligning more with the trend of making truck cabins resemble those of daily driver cars and SUVs. This included a large screen that replaced the simpler layout of its predecessor, potentially complicating the experience for those seeking a straightforward work truck. Despite these changes, the Sierra retained traditional climate controls and a conventional volume dial, offering some familiarity amidst the new tech-heavy setup.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, though not a traditional pickup, presented a unique design as a unibody crossover with a small bed. Its design was intentional and distinctive, featuring a front end similar to the Hyundai Tucson and a sharply raked C-pillar. The interior was neither overly luxurious nor sparse, with high-quality materials and a cohesive design. The four-spoked steering wheel added a funky touch, and the fit and finish were commendable. The Santa Cruz's design was not for those looking to blend in, but it offered a fresh take on utility and style.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options, starting with a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, with a boost in both figures for 2023. Two gas V8 options were also available: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The gas four-cylinder came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms with the diesel engine and RWD, and it had a maximum payload capacity of 1,093 kilograms with the turbo-four and 5.3-litre V8 engines. The diesel engine provided a lively performance, aided by the 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Sierra handled well for a full-size truck, though maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, sold exclusively with AWD in Canada, featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 282 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain offered a peppy performance, with smooth shifts and paddle shifters for added control. The Santa Cruz excelled in ride quality, easily absorbing rough pavement, and its compact size made it highly maneuverable in urban settings. While not designed for serious off-roading, the Santa Cruz participated in the Rebelle Rally with slight modifications, and its AWD system with a centre locking differential and hill-descent control provided some off-road capability. However, its ground clearance and geometry limited its off-road potential, making it more suitable for gravel roads.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, with our test model featuring a crew cab and short bed. This setup provided ample cabin space with generous head and legroom for both rows. The interior included large storage trays in the doors, multiple spots for water bottles, and a deep centre storage compartment. The rear bench folded up for additional storage space. The Denali Ultimate trim featured the GMC MultiPro tailgate, offering multiple configurations for convenience, and all trims included bed steps for easy cargo access.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, while not a traditional pickup, offered practical utility with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms with a braked trailer. The bed measured 1,230 millimetres long and nearly 1,368 mm wide, with lockable underfloor storage and side cubbies for smaller items. The Santa Cruz's payload capacity was 640 kilograms across all trims. A sliding and locking tonneau cover protected the bed, though the latch was finicky. Inside, the rear seats folded up for taller items, but rear legroom was limited to 926 mm. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated seats available on the Ultimate trim.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base Pro trim, while other trims received a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The updated infotainment system included Google-connected apps and a logical layout, though it lacked a tuning knob. The Denali Ultimate trim offered a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet, though its placement was less than ideal. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display were available on all trims except the base Pro.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Canada came with a 10.25-inch display infotainment system, offering only wired smartphone compatibility. The system was intuitive and responsive, though it lacked a physical volume knob, relying on touch-sensitive buttons. The Ultimate trim included a Bose premium audio system and wireless charging, with USB-A ports for charging but no USB-C options. The touch-sensitive buttons for stereo and climate controls were small, requiring precise input.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and GM’s Teen Driver system. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Denali Ultimate trim included GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system for hands-free highway driving. The rear headrests flipped down for improved visibility, and a rear-vision camera mirror provided added assistance.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz offered a comprehensive set of driver-assistance systems, including forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, and lane-following assist. The Ultimate trim featured Hyundai’s Highway Drive Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot view monitor. The NHTSA gave the Santa Cruz a five-star front crash rating and a four-star rollover rating. The 2023 model received “Good” or “Superior” ratings from the IIHS, with improvements in headlamp quality for 2024.